As the first day concluded, a handful of matches had directed the final eight draw for tomorrow, though fans on Day One of the Vancouver Sevens did not leave unhappy. In fact, they would have [possibly] had there ‘brains exploded’ with the enthusiasm and enjoyment many had on their faces. They all certainly loved it, and the debut event from BC Place Stadium did not disappoint both fans and fun loving Canadians who experienced their very first Sevens Series tournament.
Vancouver Sevens: Day One Action
If you managed to watch all or just some of the action, it has proved to be a day of plenty! Plenty of tries, plenty of smiles and plenty to talk about, so here is a quick run through of Day One results:
Pool A (Fiji, Kenya, Portugal, Samoa)
The Kenyans were outstanding in their opening games and their showdown with the Fijian team was so very close to being an upset. Within seconds of holding out the title-leading side, Kenya will beat themselves up for conceding that win. Not entirely their own fault, an offensive Kenya put a scare into the Fiji camp which they answered, and it will either prove a positive for Fiji or it might ‘bring down’ the reigning champs. That match took a lot out of them.
You can’t always confirm second place until late in the day, so Samoa were late to hear that they would qualify alongside Fiji. Not fortunate though, as they had defeated Kenya so looked to be the next best who may go into Day Two with a point to prove. Expect Manu Samoa to charge in firing all their guns in day two for a good finish in this tournament. They promised much last week and finished strongly. Two weeks in a row will ensure they achieve some goals and KPI’s before the next break.
Pool A Results:
FIJ 38 SAM 5 | KEN 43 POR 5 | FIJ 62 POR 0 | KEN 19 SAM 26 | SAM 43 POR 7 | FIJ 24 KEN 19
Pool B (Australia, Wales, Russia, Canada)
Australia are the form side, and although Canada were the hosts, it should have been beyond them to upset the Thunderbolts.
Shame nobody told the hosts, because nobody doubted them and in this pool it was a tremendous cheer around BC Place when Canada defeated the Australians in match 16. It was a real contest and in the end the kicks at goal proved critical. Two points can come back to haunt you and it was a great day for Canada. They would be proud of what they did.
Wales performed well, initially beating the hosts, they subsequently beat the Russian Bears and then were bested by Australia. Not ideal, to be beaten by 30 points in a game of sevens but if they put it out of their minds, it might help motivate them.
Russia again walk away empty handed and only can recover some lost pride on Day Two, but Wales will be in a position to walk away Sunday with a good haul of points.
Pool B Results:
AUS 43 RUS 5 | WAL 26 CAN 19 | WAL 52 RUS 0 | AUS 12 CAN 14 | AUS 49 WAL 14 | RUS 12 CAN 29
Pool C (South Africa RSA, Argentina, Scotland, Brazil)
South Africa accumulated nearly 100 offensive points, putting all sides to the sword as they ran through the day untroubled, so the important question was: who would be the second placed side?
That was answered was when in match 18 of the day,, the Argentinian team were shut out 27-0. That resulted in Scotland proving the next best as they had also beaten Los Pumas, winning when they converted three chances in that must win game. A must win on Day One, but Scotland need to play much better on Day Two if they want to celebrate anything yet.
Pool C Results:
RSA 43 SCO 0 | ARG 35 BRA 5 | RSA 26 BRA 7 | ARG 7 SCO 19 | SCO 33 BRA 0 | RSA 27 ARG 0
Pool D (New Zealand NZL, United States USA, France, England)
France did themselves a big favour today, by scoring 10 points against NZ in the first half of their match they gave themselves a much needed boost. Later they could not continue that fighting spirit in a key loss from their pained rivals England. That inconsistent day meant that the United States and New Zealand sides went through to Day Two with a chance of Cup glory, not France.
Many sides have challenged NZL, not everyone holds out for the full 14 minutes either so when France lost the the All Blacks Sevens, it helped NZ more than it shored up the French team. Les Bleus ran cold against the Eagles team in match five and if they tripped then, by the last game they could have rubbed salt in the wound of England–nine games between victories, the French team provided that sole win.
Whether England see it as a bright point, only that side can say but they will surely not be happy over the last week. Close to both NZ and the United States on the scoreboard, it maybe from now they begin to turn a poor campaign around but nothing was stopping the Kiwi side from going into Sunday as number one rank.
Pool D Results:
USA 42 FRA 14 | NZL 7 ENG 0 | USA 17 ENG 12 | NZL 24 FRA 10 | FRA 12 ENG 14 | USA 5 NZL 17
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Sides heading into the Quarter finals: Fiji v USA | RSA v Wales | NZL v Samoa | AUS v SCO
Day Two of the Vancouver Sevens will be the best indication of who is well placed for the title. Gain a massive 22 points by Sunday, it will help you towards an HSBC Sevens Series title. Place and you might recover some encouragement from reaching the top of the fixtures list–the side who loses the first Quarter Final will experience the largest loss in points, as the Plate qualifying matches and final are worth less than fourth place.
Thank you #REDNATION for an incredible @canadasevens Day 1 at @bcplace! #Canada7s pic.twitter.com/EcALzIyPs2
— RugbyCanada (@RugbyCanada) March 13, 2016
For any side who misses out, they will have dropped points potentially that could cost you by the time the London round is played. Five points today, or more, will cost teams a chance of winning the title. The calculations will begin soon but for now, fans enjoyed the unique venue and the enthusiastic spectators would now broadcast the appeal of this sport. The venue did well to contain a mix of party and extravaganza that should see British Columbia confirmed as another great stop on the Sevens Series circuit.
Follow all the results from the Vancouver Sevens, look forward to more news and results on Last Word on Sport.
“Main photo credit”
